Powerful and versatile dedicated automatic flash with bounce, swivel and zoom head for an early Nikon AF 35mm film SLR camera, and several manual focus models with TTL flash (see below)

Quality Vivitar flash unit

Tilt & swivel for bounce

28-85mm zooming head

Extra wide 20mm panel

Guide numbers to 42m

AF illuminator built in

TTL auto flash control

Fully automatic operation

For the Nikon F-501 AF

For FE2, FA, FG, F-301

Not for other cameras

Very nicely made in Japan

Includes copy instructions

Includes 4x AA batteries

Vivitar was one of the top independent accessory brands, and this is an excellent TTL auto AF flashgun with bounce, swivel and zoom features. It's dedicated for the Nikon F-501 AF, FG, FE2, FA and F-301 manual focus 35mm film SLR cameras (but not any other manual, AF or digital models). The flash is in good condition and fully working order, supplied with a copy of the instructions and Alkaline batteries. Please read the full description for more important information.

The bounce flash head tilts up to 90 degrees and swivels up to 270 degrees for bounce flash in horizontal or vertical positions, giving much softer, more natural lighting than direct flash, and reducing the chance of redeye. Zoom facility for lenses from 28mm and 35mm wide angle, through 50mm standard to 85mm (and longer) telephoto. This gives longer range with telephoto lenses, and better coverage with wide angles. An extra wide angle diffuser is supplied for lenses down to 20mm.

Powerful guide numbers of 42m (136ft) on the tele setting, 36m (117ft) at standard and 25m (81ft) at wide angle, with ISO 100 film. This gives a theoretical maximum range of up to 18m (58 feet) with ISO 100 film and 50mm f/2 lens. Greater range is available with faster film and longer lenses, but as with all flashguns, actual range will depend on the conditions.

TTL (Through The Lens) dedicated flash control system for extremely accurate exposures. Works automatically in all modes, including program. Thyristor circuitry for faster recycling and more flashes per set of batteries. Control panel on the rear of the flash provides distances from 1.5 to 15m (6 to 50 feet), apertures from f/1.4 to f/32 and film speeds from ISO 50 to 1000. Ready light, plus auto check light confirms correct exposure after the shot has been taken. Works in the camera's autofocus mode, and has a large AF illuminator on the front to assist auto focusing in low light. This operates automatically when required on the F-501.

Condition: Excellent++ (8/10)
The flash is in fully working order (checked on suitable Nikon cameras), and the controls and movements operate positively. Cosmetically it shows signs of use including some surface scratches and scrapes here and there in the plastic finish. The battery contacts are slightly marked (not corroded) but have been cleaned and work fine. The instructions are a copy (in English) but reasonably legible.

No cracks, splits or deep scratches, and overall it's in good shape.
Includes 20mm extra wide angle diffuser, copy of instructions and 4x Alkaline AA batteries. At the time of listing we have more than one of this flash, but the pictures and description here are representative of all of them.

Compatibility
This is an early independent flash and is dedicated for the Nikon F-501 AF 35mm film SLR camera (sold in some countries as the N2020). It also works on some TTL-capable Nikon manual focus SLR cameras including the FE2, FA, FG and F-301 (N2000). Fully dedicated operation including TTL flash, auto setting of shutter speed and viewfinder flash ready indication, with AF illuminator on the F-501.

It is NOT suitable for other Nikon manual focus, AF and digital cameras, or any other make as the dedicated flash control system is not compatible.